New Delhi: The Central Secretariat metro station is poised to undergo a significant transformation, evolving into a triple interchange facility following the recent approval of Delhi Metro's Phase V(A) corridors. Currently serving as a crucial junction between the Yellow and Violet Lines, this station will soon integrate with the Magenta Line, specifically the Central Vista corridor stretching from RK Ashram Marg to Indraprastha.
Enhanced Connectivity for Daily Commuters
According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), this enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit approximately 60,000 office-goers and an impressive two lakh visitors on a daily basis. The strategic location of Central Secretariat makes it a vital hub for those commuting to central Delhi's office districts, and the addition of the Magenta Line will further streamline their travel experiences.
Anuj Dayal, principal executive director of corporate communications at DMRC, elaborated on the station's current and future role. "At present, the Central Secretariat station serves as an important interchange hub in central Delhi, functioning as a junction between the Yellow and Violet Lines. Thousands of office-going individuals who commute to central Delhi office areas rely on this vital metro station. Now, with the approval of Phase V(A), the Central Secretariat station will provide connectivity to the Yellow Line, Violet Line, and the Magenta Line extension," he stated.
Doorstep Connectivity to Government Offices
Dayal further emphasized that this expansion will offer connectivity to all the Kartavya Bhawans, effectively providing doorstep access for office-goers and visitors in the area. This development is part of a broader effort to improve public transportation infrastructure and reduce congestion in the national capital.
Triple Interchange Stations on the Rise
Currently, Kashmere Gate stands as the sole station on the Delhi Metro network that connects three corridors: the Red Line from Rithala to Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda), the Yellow Line from Millennium City Centre to Samaypur Badli, and the Violet Line from Kashmere Gate to Raja Nahar Singh (Ballabhgarh). However, the city is set to welcome four additional triple interchange stations—Azadpur, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, and Inderlok—as part of the ongoing DMRC Phase IV expansion.
Details of New Triple Interchange Stations
- Azadpur: This station will achieve triple interchange status once the RK Ashram–Janakpuri West corridor, an extension of the Magenta Line currently under construction, becomes operational. Presently, Azadpur serves as an interchange between the Yellow and Pink Lines.
- Lajpat Nagar: Currently connected to the Violet and Pink Lines, this station will be linked to the Golden Line upon the completion of the Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block corridor.
- New Delhi: Already integrated with the Yellow and Airport Express Lines, this station will also connect to the Green Line as part of the Inderlok–Indraprastha corridor.
- Inderlok: An existing interchange between the Red and Green Lines, Inderlok will meet the Magenta Line following the Phase IV expansion.
Benefits of Triple Interchange Stations
Dayal highlighted the advantages of such stations, noting, "Triple interchange stations enable seamless transfers between three metro corridors at a single location, substantially reducing travel time and making cross-city journeys faster, smoother, and more convenient for commuters." This infrastructure upgrade is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of Delhi's public transport system.
Growth in Interchange Stations
Presently, there are 29 interchange metro stations within the DMRC network. Upon the completion of Phase IV, this number is projected to rise to 43. With the implementation of Phase V(A), the total count of interchange stations will further increase to 46, reflecting the continuous expansion and improvement of Delhi's metro network.
The transformation of Central Secretariat into a triple interchange hub marks a significant milestone in Delhi Metro's evolution, promising greater convenience and connectivity for the city's residents and visitors alike.
